Will McCanless
Co-founder/ Creative Lead
Will is one of our founders and clay instructors. He is the proud father of two sweet little angels, Evelynn and Delling who provide him constant and enthusiastic inspiration.
Originally from Seagrove, North Carolina, USA, Will moved to Australia in 2019 to work as a production potter and clay instructor at Bendigo Pottery.
Will is a second-generation potter from Seagrove, N.C., a town of nearly 100 pottery studios, and a 200-year-old pottery making tradition.
Will apprenticed with his parents before working full time in the family business ‘Dover Pottery’ for 16 years. He later established his own studio and gallery ‘McCanless Pottery’ in 2006. Will opened an additional gallery in 2009, and operated both until he immigrated to Australia in 2019.
Since his move to Australia Will has worked for Bendigo Pottery, Academy Bendigo School of Art, Elizabeth Bell Ceramics, Muddle Ceramics, Ian Clare Studio Pottery, and Faludi Ceramics as a production potter and clay instructor. Will also served as President and Executive Director of Castlemaine Clay in Castlemaine, VIC.
Will is co-founder of The Celebration of Seagrove Potters which is currently one of the largest pottery festivals in the southeast of the US. He has served on the boards of ‘The Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery’ and later with the ‘Seagrove Area Potters Association’.
Will’s work has been primarily focused on brush decoration, zinc silicate crystalline glaze, wood fired pottery, and has some experience with Raku and reduction firing.
To find out more about Will, visit his FB page: Peder Wilhelm McCanless and IG: @mccanlesspottery.
Shelley Booth
Studio Director/Ceramics Instructor
Shelley Booth is a passionate and experienced ceramics instructor with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Ceramics from Monash University. With a specialization in sculptural forms inspired by the feminine form, Shelley brings a unique artistic vision to her teaching.
Here at McCanless Pottery, Shelley leads an 8-week hand-building ceramics class, where she shares her extensive knowledge and skills with students of all levels. Her classes focus on the fundamentals of pinch pots, coiling, and slab building, providing a supportive and inspiring environment for creative exploration and skill development. Additionally, Shelley offers 2-hour wheel throwing workshops and children's ceramics classes, catering to a diverse range of learners and fostering a love for ceramics in all age groups.
Shelley’s dedication to the art of ceramics and her commitment to teaching make her a valuable asset to our team. She is excited to inspire and guide her students in their artistic journeys.
Emma Alsop
Studio Manager/Ceramics Instructor
Emma's creative journey began during her childhood, when she enjoyed digging up clay at Point Leo beach during her summer holidays. The smell and touch of the clay gave her a sense of excitement and the freedom to create something beautiful. Emma's current focus is on hand-building and wheel throwing. Exploring ceramics has allowed her to delve into different clay types and glazes, pushing the boundaries of what she can achieve and unlocking new possibilities and techniques. From the native fauna and flora to the hidden treasures beneath the earth and sea, she finds inspiration in the vastness, colours, textures, and contrasts of her natural surroundings. Working with clay brings her immense happiness and fulfilment, allowing her to express herself creatively and freely through clay.